Appeal Costs

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average cost was of an appeal to(a) a social security appeal tribunal and (b) a child support appeal tribunal, in the latest year for which figures are available. [37586]

[holding answer 26 February 2002]The average cost of an appeal heard by an appeal tribunal is £139 (excluding first tier agency costs). Separate figures are not available in respect of child support appeals.

The average first tier agency direct staffing costs of an appeal in respect of Benefits Agency administered benefits is £81.92 and in respect of child support appeals is £136.79.